Every patient — from coping to hoping. Every donor or volunteer — from altruism to inspiration. These stories inspire our work and compel mission advocates to give financially, join the registry, volunteer or spread the word.
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A marrow transplant may be someone’s only hope for a cure. Learn how marrow donation works, the steps of a patient transplant, steps of donation, and factors that can impact the likelihood of finding a match.
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Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. We conduct research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.
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When you're asked to donate

Not everyone on the Be The Match Registry® will match and be asked to donate to a patient. In fact, the chances of donating are about 1 in 430. If you are asked to donate, the patient's doctor has chosen you as the best donor.

Becoming a bone marrow donor is an important commitment. If you are asked to be a donor for a patient, you will receive all the information needed to make this decision. We encourage you to discuss your decision to donate with your family and friends. They can help support you through the process.

How much time will the donation process take?

Donor experiences

The typical time commitment for the donation process is 20-30 hours of your time spread out over a four-to-six-week period. This does not include travel time, which is defined by air travel and staying overnight in a hotel. Nearly 40% of donors will travel during the donation process. Learn more about the steps leading to donation.

Two donation methods: Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and marrow

If you agree to donate, the patient's doctor will request that you donate either peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or marrow. The doctor chooses the donation method that is best for the patient.

If you are asked to donate, call the telephone number that is in the email or letter you received. If you don't have this number, please call 1 (800) MARROW-2.